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Making Britain a Clean Energy Superpower
09 November 2023
Lead MP
Claire Coutinho
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
ClimateEnergy
Other Contributors: 41
At a Glance
Claire Coutinho raised concerns about making britain a clean energy superpower in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The UK is a leader in renewable energy, with 48% of power from renewables in the first quarter of this year. Since 2010, the country has increased its renewable energy capacity fivefold and built new nuclear plants. The government aims to cut emissions by 68% by 2030, more than any other major economy. Claire Coutinho also highlighted the role of traditional oil and gas in supporting jobs and securing Britain's energy independence.
Claire Coutinho
Con
East Surrey
The UK has been a leader in renewables, with 48% of power from renewables this year. Since 2010, the country increased its renewable energy capacity fivefold and built new nuclear plants. The government aims to cut emissions by 68% by 2030, more than any other major economy. Claire Coutinho also highlighted the role of traditional oil and gas in supporting jobs and securing Britain's energy independence.
Ed Miliband
Lab
Doncaster North
He corrected Claire Coutinho’s statement regarding his past comment on renewables, clarifying that he had stated it was unrealistic to expect 40% of energy production from renewables by 2020. He also requested a correction to this inaccurate representation in the debate.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
He questioned whether Northern Ireland could participate in achieving net zero targets given its exclusion from the Contracts for Difference scheme, suggesting that there needs to be more inclusive policies for all parts of the UK.
Sharon Hodgson
Lab
Washington and Gateshead South
She raised concerns about constituents struggling with energy bills and questioned what concrete measures were being proposed in the King's Speech to alleviate these issues, emphasising the need for urgent action.
Ed Miliband
Lab
Doncaster North
Critiques the Government's legislative programme as ineffective in tackling the cost-of-living crisis and climate change. Emphasises that lifting bans on onshore wind, improving energy efficiency measures, and speeding up renewables planning could lower energy bills but are ignored by the Government.
Claire Coutinho
Con
East Surrey
Intervened to defend the Energy Bill, suggesting it would also help fund renewable energy.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Interrupted to say he cannot give way at that moment.
Asked the Labour MP about the dependency on oil and gas for energy overall, including heat and transport. Highlighted the current 75% dependence on oil and gas and projected future reliance even after reaching net zero by 2050.
Critiqued the Labour MP's view as a binary issue of renewables versus fossil fuels, stressing that an energy mix is necessary due to the intermittency issues with renewable sources.
Maria Miller
Con
Basingstoke
Welcomed the King’s Speech, criticised Ed Miliband for playing politics with climate change, highlighted the Government's achievements in reducing emissions and promoting renewable energy. Emphasised the need to safeguard domestic supplies of gas and oil while transitioning to clean energy. Discussed the importance of proper planning for industrial lithium-ion battery plants and called for updated permitting systems to address environmental risks. Mentioned the role of rare earth minerals, skilled personnel from oil and gas sectors in developing renewable energy, and the potential of the new Trade (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) Bill. Also welcomed measures to reform leaseholds and renter protections, NHS funding improvements, and criminal justice reforms.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Critiques the current government’s approach to energy security, arguing that it prioritises fossil fuel extraction over renewables. He highlights failures in recent auction rounds and inadequate support for community-owned renewable projects. Calls for strategic investment in floating wind technology and pumped storage mechanisms.
Order. There is not massive pressure on time, but as colleagues can see, a number of colleagues wish to get in. My advice would be that were everybody to speak for no longer than 12 minutes, everybody would get in and have sufficient time. If people go on for too long, it puts pressure on others.
Chris Skidmore
Con
Kingswood
Mr. Skidmore emphasised the importance of the UK's role as a clean energy superpower, highlighting that over the past 15 years, the UK has decarbonised further than any other G20 nation and reduced emissions by 50% while growing its economy by 70%. He stressed the need for long-term certainty in government policies to attract inward investment. He mentioned that the UK's net zero transition could potentially bring up to £1 trillion of inward investment and create up to 480,000 new jobs by 2035 if there is commitment from the Government. However, he criticised the current system where programmes last only for three to four years at most due to spending reviews. He also highlighted the need for cross-party consensus on climate change issues, citing the Climate Change Act 2008 as an example of such consensus. Mr. Skidmore warned that if the UK continues to suggest it can produce oil and gas forever, it will let down communities that need to transition. He expressed his regret about supporting the King's Speech due to new oil and gas licensing.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent West
The right hon. Member praises the cross-party consensus and acknowledges progress made, but criticises the current Government for not showing sufficient leadership. He highlights the issue of excess winter deaths caused by living in cold homes, with 4,706 recorded last year. Gardiner questions the Government's strategy to address fuel poverty and energy efficiency, noting that 21% of UK emissions stem from inefficient buildings and that pensioners are particularly vulnerable. He criticises the Prime Minister for delaying a proposal on retrofitting energy efficiency measures in privately rented homes, leading to continued cold and inefficient living conditions for millions of children and other tenants. Gardiner also addresses shortcomings in current support schemes such as the warm home discount and energy bills support scheme, urging the Government to introduce protective tariffs and social measures. He condemns the Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill as a misallocation of resources towards fossil fuels at the expense of tackling fuel poverty.
David Duguid
Con
Banff and Buchan
Welcomed the Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill, noting that despite efforts to transition to renewable energy sources, the UK remains heavily dependent on oil and gas for its energy needs. Emphasised that developing new oil and gas production is necessary to avoid over-reliance on imports, which would lead to higher carbon emissions. Highlighted the role of the North Sea Transition Authority in ensuring that new licences are awarded only if they meet strict climate tests. Stressed the importance of utilising the skills and expertise of the UK's oil and gas industry for a successful energy transition.
Caroline Lucas
Green
Brighton Pavilion
The Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill is no more than a last-ditch attempt to boost the Prime Minister’s poll ratings while simultaneously proping up the dying oil and gas industry. It undermines hard-won climate consensus for short-term electoral point scoring, which is reckless and threatens progress towards zero-carbon society. The NSTA was already holding annual licensing rounds and will resume regular ones due to a legal duty of 'maximising economic recovery' from North Sea petroleum. This Bill will not help struggling households facing energy bills double what they were two years ago with 6 million in fuel poverty, nor reduce energy prices as the Prime Minister falsely claims.
The Hon. Members responded affirmatively to Caroline Lucas's statement, though no detailed position or statistics were provided.
North Cotswolds
Emphasised the need to address NHS challenges such as prolonged ambulance waiting times and bed shortages, noting improvements in GP availability. He also highlighted education initiatives including T-levels at Cirencester College and stressed the importance of addressing mental health issues among young people. Clifton-Brown further discussed technological advancements and their regulation, aiming for a level playing field for established and emerging technologies.
Sharon Hodgson
Lab
Washington and Gateshead South
The King’s Speech failed to address the challenges faced by Nissan in meeting new zero-emission vehicles mandates, causing uncertainty among investors. Online touts exploit loopholes to resell tickets at inflated prices, harming genuine fans and artists. The school food programme is underfunded, leading to a crisis with providers cutting back on ingredients and raising meal costs for children.
Responding to Sharon Hodgson's criticism about the lack of note in the King’s Speech regarding school food programmes, Anthony Mangnall points out that the Procurement Act 2023 is designed to improve the quality and value of food given to children by shortening supply chains.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Welcomes the Government’s commitment to deal with long-term issues and change the country for the better. Highlights the transformation in power stations from mainly coal-fired to renewables, emphasising the need for new nuclear power stations to replace ageing ones.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Asks Bob Blackman about his best guess for when the first megawatt of electricity from SMR will be generated in the United Kingdom, questioning the progress on small modular nuclear reactors.
Colleen Fletcher
Lab
Coventry North East
The debate focuses on the underwhelming King's Speech and Government programme. The speaker criticises the lack of a coherent long-term plan to address economic challenges, cost of living crisis, public safety issues, net zero goals, and NHS reforms. She highlights the severe state of the NHS due to 13 years of Tory governance, citing long waiting times for GP appointments, dentist availability, ambulance services, A&E care, workforce shortages, and a record high hospital waiting list. The speaker also mentions meeting staff at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust who advocate for investment in new technology to improve the NHS's efficiency and patient outcomes.
Duncan Baker
Con
Orpington
The debate discusses the importance of a diverse energy mix, including gas, nuclear, and renewables. The speaker highlights Bacton gas terminal in north Norfolk as a significant contributor to the UK's gas supply. He emphasises that renewables alone cannot ensure national power generation due to their intermittency, citing 260 days of insufficient wind power last year. He advocates for continued use of natural resources like oil and gas for security, employment, and economic reasons while transitioning towards decarbonisation. The speaker supports the Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill as a means to secure domestic energy production and tax revenue from oil and gas companies (£50 billion annually). He also mentions Bacton's potential for carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen production, aiming to transform it into an 'energy hub' in east England.
Warrington North
Welcomes measures on violent sex offenders but criticises the King's Speech for its lack of meaningful change, highlighting omissions such as mental health reform, ban on conversion therapy, review of personal independence payments and comprehensive energy policies. Mentions cross-party support for these issues.
Anthony Mangnall
Con
Totnes
Mr. Mangnall spoke in support of the King’s Speech, highlighting the UK's progress in cutting emissions and growing the economy simultaneously. He emphasised the need to encourage businesses to invest in green technologies through various incentives provided by the Treasury, such as tax credits, innovation funds, and capital available for investment in the sector. Mr. Mangnall also discussed specific examples from his constituency of Totnes and South Devon, including marine energy projects and sustainable initiatives like the wind turbine project in Sustainable South Brent that powers parts of the village. He advocated for better scrutiny on trade agreements and expressed concerns about the Renters (Reform) Bill potentially deterring long-term rental investments. Additionally, he praised the government’s commitment to apprenticeships and further education.
Nadia Whittome
Lab
Nottingham East
The King’s Speech shows that the Government is out of ideas, with policies leading to food bank use, poor housing conditions, and long NHS waiting lists. The Government's focus on anti-strike laws and trivial issues like pedicabs distracts from addressing urgent crises such as climate change and the cost of living. Labour proposes public ownership in energy to create jobs and insulate homes, cutting bills and emissions simultaneously.
The King’s Speech offers no benefits for Scotland, only more pain. The Government's North Sea Transition Authority is merely transferring Scotland's wealth south into the UK Treasury. Despite rich energy resources, 34% of Scottish households are in fuel poverty. Independence is seen as the urgent priority to address this Tory-made cost of living crisis.
Kate Osborne
Lab
Jarrow and Gateshead East
Critiques the King’s Speech for its lack of new ideas, plans to improve the country, and support for small businesses or people in poverty. Cites statistics on food bank usage and public debt, criticises failed economic policies leading to high inflation and public debt. Calls out housing crisis issues like evictions and homelessness, and discusses energy bills and climate change. Raises concerns over criminal justice reforms that could undermine protection against abuse and stalking, and criticises NHS funding cuts. Highlights attacks on workers’ rights, minorities, and LGBTQ+ communities. Tables an amendment to ban conversion therapy.
Responds to Kate Osborne's intervention on the issue of conversion therapy, expressing concern for young individuals who may experience regret after transitioning without proper support or therapy.
Simon Lightwood
Lab Co-op
Wakefield and Rothwell
Critiqued the Government's inaction and lack of policies to address the cost of living crisis, highlighting their failure to mention the community energy sector. Emphasised Labour’s plan for cheaper energy bills and higher living standards through initiatives like Great British Energy, a national warm homes plan, and tearing down barriers to clean power in communities. Also highlighted issues with funding pots that do not deliver long-term change and rising serious violent crime under the current government.
Richard Thomson
SNP
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Mr. Thomson argued that the cost of living crisis is primarily driven by high energy costs due to a flawed energy market structure mandated by the government, including an artificial link between electricity and gas prices and inadequate grid pricing policies. He emphasised the need for effective storage solutions like pumped storage hydroelectric power at sites such as Cruachan and Coire Glas, advocating for increased governmental support in these projects. Additionally, he highlighted the necessity of a genuine energy transition that recognises both the role of oil and gas in meeting current needs while adhering to climate obligations. He criticised the government's approach, particularly regarding floating offshore wind options and their failure to incentivize renewable technologies sufficiently.
David Duguid
Con
Banff and Buchan
Mr. Duguid intervened, clarifying the distinction between a presumption against new oil and gas developments before decision-making versus applying caveats after decisions are made to produce more oil and gas.
Jonathan Reynolds
Lab Co-op
Stalybridge and Hyde
Reynolds expressed envy towards the power Conservative colleagues have in shaping the country's future but also criticised their recent policies as shameful, citing a proposed ban on homeless people having tents. He noted that the King’s Speech lacked substance and coherence, promising record investment in renewable energy while abandoning climate targets, increasing red tape for exporters, and cancelling long-term infrastructure projects.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
While not directly quoted, Reynolds commended Bob Blackman's stance against the proposed ban on homeless people having tents.
Chris Skidmore
Con
Kingswood
Reynolds paid tribute to Chris Skidmore’s argument regarding the false belief that more oil and gas licences will address energy security issues.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
Ghani addressed the House on behalf of the Government, reflecting on contributions from various MPs. She highlighted significant government initiatives and achievements in achieving net zero goals while also addressing concerns about energy security and economic stability.
Warrington North
Nichols interjected to correct a statement made by the Secretary of State regarding Together Energy, noting that the £37 million bill is incorrect. She urged for clarification on this matter.
Skidmore emphasised the importance of combating disinformation about green industries and their role in job preservation. He highlighted that sticking with the status quo could lead to significant job losses, whereas transitioning towards electric arc furnaces helps retain jobs.
Jonathan Reynolds
Lab Co-op
Stalybridge and Hyde
Reynolds questioned whether the government's policy was indeed the first developed country to lose the capacity for virgin steel production due to a lack of alternatives like direct reduced iron process. He urged clarification on this point.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Cartlidge briefly mentioned that all were listening, without elaborating further on specific contributions or positions.
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